Why Pre-ordering a Used or New Porsche Is the Best Option For You?
All across the country, there are lawmakers focused on a single issue that seems to be causing a dramatic increase in motor vehicle accidents: distracted driving due to cell phones. Studies estimate that over 1 million accidents are caused due to mobile phone-related incidents, with 20% of US drivers admitting to sending or receiving text messages while they are actively driving their vehicle. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), approximately 3,000 deaths can be attributed to distracted driving, a staggering number of preventable deaths. This is causing lawmakers to focus their efforts on passing laws that will prohibit - and hopefully eliminate - this type of risky behavior, which is particularly dangerous for younger drivers that may not have the experience they need to avoid a collision.
Sending or reading a text can take your eyes and attention away from the road for 5 seconds, which is plenty long enough for your vehicle to run off the road - or into the path of oncoming traffic or other road hazards. Drivers may not realize it, but you can travel the length of a football field in that length of time, making this an extremely unsafe practice regardless of your level of experience behind the wheel. The NHTSA is dedicated to reducing the possibility of these wrecks through a consolidated messaging platform that targets young drivers, parents, educators and even employers. Fortunately, Porsche and other automobile manufacturers are also stepping up to help ensure that drivers are safe on the road. Here's what you need to know about staying safe on Florida's roads with your Porsche.
Texting and Driving Becomes a Primary Offense in Florida
For years, texting and driving or using a handheld phone was a secondary offense in Florida, meaning you could not be pulled over if you were "only" seen with a phone in your hand. That all changed July 1, 2019, as Florida lawmakers were finally able to push through a law that made texting or using a handheld phone a primary offense. Officers are no longer waiting to see you swerve into oncoming lanes of traffic, speeding or traveling at an extremely slow rate of speed before making the decision to pull you over and cite you for reckless behavior - if you are seen texting, you will be cited. This is particularly true of school and work zones, where laws are even more strict. In these areas, you are not even allowed to have your phone in your hand to read a GPS, speak into the phone or type anything onto your screen. You can still utilize GPS to find your way; however, you cannot be actively typing into the phone and all conversations must be held via earbuds or other hands-free technology or devices.
Enforcing Florida's New Hands-Free Phone Laws
From July 1, 2019 through January 1, 2020, there was a short grace period that allowed drivers to get used to the idea that they would soon be liable for their actions while driving. During this time, officers were able to issue warnings instead of citations, hopefully giving citizens an opportunity to upgrade their vehicles or make alternate arrangements for communication while they were driving. Future infractions will incur a first-time offender fee of $30, while subsequent violations within a five-year period are considered a second offense and are upgraded accordingly. Fines increase to between $60 - $100, and drivers will also incur up to three points placed against their license per offense. Drivers are legally allowed to text while they are at red lights, and there are a few exceptions to this law such as those drivers that are reporting a crime or emergency vehicle drivers.
The New Porsche Communication Management (PCM) Components
Fortunately, the engineers at Porsche have long been focused on security and safety for their drivers and have already introduced a range of new options that will help you stay safe - and legal - on the road. The Porsche Communication Management (PCM) platform includes a central hub for all of your infotainment activities while you're on the road. Standard equipment in all models for Porsche, the new infotainment system includes an integrated proximity sensor and a high-resolution touchscreen for your convenience and safety. The PCM works well with iPhone and Android devices, allowing for connections either via the integrated USB port or AUX input through your phone's Bluetooth connection as long as a hands-free profile is available for your mobile devices.
Your phone or other mobile devices can remain safely out of your hands while you are driving so you are never out of touch with friends and family and are fully compliant with the new Florida laws regarding hands-free communication while driving. There is a wide range of smart services available via Porsche Connect, your hands-free assistant to managing your life. Use your Apple Watch or other mobile devices to remotely control specific functions of your vehicle, such as enabling theft or remote location detection when you are outside your vehicle. Everything is fully integrated into the Porsche Vehicle Tracking System (PVTS) to ensure your vehicle's location is available. Smartphone calendars and GPS navigation can be swiftly transferred to your large touchscreen display for your convenience, too.
While Florida's new hands-free communication laws may require some modifications to the way you drive, but they will provide an additional degree of safety that you will come to appreciate when you and your loved ones are on the road.